The Strongest Farmer in Another World ~I'm a "Farmer", Not a Demon King! ~ - Chapter 438

The Strongest Farmer in Another World ~I’m a “Farmer”, Not a Demon King! ~

Chapter 438   Consult with Edward

Leaving the brothel, I arrived at Edward’s trading post this time, but the reception I received there was far from the usual bustling atmosphere of his workplace.

Normally, this place would be filled with employees bustling around, engaged in various tasks. However, for some reason, all the employees were lined up at the entrance, waiting for me.

Additionally, Edward himself was waiting alongside his employees. What’s he up to?

“Oh, it’s the Demon King. Welcome. We’ve been eagerly awaiting your sudden contact and your arrival.”

Though Edward’s words were polite, there was an underlying emotion that felt entirely different. In other words, he was in a bad mood.

Well, I can understand. What kind of urgent matter would make me contact him out of the blue and come over here? It’s probably something like, “Don’t waste my time.” Most likely, that’s what he’s thinking.

“I apologize for taking your time. However, I’ve prepared documents detailing a new species of plant, its fruits, seeds, and cultivation methods. Please hear me out.”

Even though I anticipated this level of response, if I had visited Edward without a prior appointment, he might have been even more displeased and less willing to listen. While I don’t think he would go as far as kicking me out or getting confrontational due to our respective positions, I expected that the conversation wouldn’t progress exactly as I wanted.

To ensure that he listens to my proposal, I decided to offer something profitable – something that I could provide, which is the new species of plant. While giving him the actual fruit could work, it would be a one-time deal, and I wouldn’t make as much profit.

However, providing seeds and cultivation methods could potentially yield continuous profits. With Edward’s capabilities, he could make a fortune, especially with a completely new plant. I assure the quality, and the rarity of the item is unparalleled.

You might wonder if it’s alright to give away a new species like this, but for me, creating new species is something I can do and in abundance. So, giving it away doesn’t pose any significant harm.

“Hmm. If you’re willing to go that far, I can’t refuse to hear your story.”

Although I haven’t explained what the new plant is, Edward understands that I wouldn’t offer something insignificant. He seems to have quickly assessed how he could utilize it for profit and decided it was worthwhile. His expression changed from earlier, and he now wore a genuinely pleasant smile.

“Come with me. Let’s hear your story. ——The rest of you, get back to work.”

As Edward spoke, the employees who had gathered there bowed and then dispersed. Some muttered complaints, perhaps annoyed at being called for such a charade in the midst of their busy schedules, while others seemed to find it amusing. I wonder if some of them are unexpectedly enjoying this?

“So, what brings you here?”

Guided to the reception room, I was offered a seat, and as soon as I sat down, tea and sweets were promptly served before me. The efficiency displayed here is indeed remarkable. Do I need to prepare individuals of this caliber even in the castle? Well, when it comes to entertaining guests, perhaps entrusting the education to the Granny’s establishment might be the best choice. They likely have the highest hospitality standards.

Anyway, leaving that aside, let’s get to the main topic.

“Actually, it’s about the gift for my mother that we discussed earlier. I’m not sure what to choose.”

“Is that all?”

After I brought up the main topic, Edward remained silent for a moment. After waiting for a while, he slightly furrowed his brows and asked.

“Yeah, that’s it.”

“I see… I thought you were bringing another business proposition. Was I mistaken?”

Edward sighed as he said that, but the one who wanted to sigh was me. Did he really expect every visit from me to be about making money? Moreover, he seemed to complain about me coming here. Even if he didn’t think I was bringing a money-making proposal, couldn’t he have greeted me more normally? From his perspective, perhaps this visit was different from the others.

“Shouldn’t you ask someone like ‘Black Sword’ about that? He might have some ideas.”

“My father is technically involved too. While the main focus is the gift for my mother, I plan to give something to my father as well, so I can’t just ask him. Well, I did ask the Granny to some extent.”

Asking the person directly about what gift they would like is a bit different. I acknowledge that it’s the safest method, but still.

“Carmena-san, is it? What about her?”

“As long as it’s heartfelt, anything is fine. But she mentioned homemade items.”

“Homemade… It depends on the item, but if it’s something an amateur made, I don’t need it.”

“Because it won’t make money?”

“Yes. However, handmade does suit her style, I suppose.”

Saying so, Edward sighed, and it seemed genuine rather than his usual sarcasm.

“Edward…?”

I don’t know why he appeared that way, but somehow, when I voiced Edward’s name, he looked at me and then lightly exhaled before starting to speak.

“…That person doesn’t age. That appearance is merely altered through skills. You’re aware of that, right?”

“Well, kind of.”

I knew that Granny wasn’t actually a “granny” and that her appearance was just a result of the skill “Disguise.” Well, I learned about it relatively recently. But it’s a fact that she’s been changing her appearance continuously for a very long time, enough to deceive me.

“While everyone around her ages, she remains unchanged, left behind alone. Therefore, she treasures past encounters and memories.”

The skill-induced agelessness. It might seem like a ‘blessing’ from the perspective of ordinary people, but for Granny, it was more like a ‘curse.’

Indeed… It would be an unpleasant thing.

“Even I, in the years and decades to come, expect my father to die, my mother too. Filia will age, Sofia and Bell will age.

But if I were to remain in this youthful appearance without aging, there’s an indescribable fear when I think about it.”

“For me, such sentiments seem meaningless, but I suppose it’s something only those who have experienced it can understand.”

Edward’s expression as he said this appeared different from usual, with a kind and compassionate touch rarely seen. It was an expression I never witnessed before, and I wondered what brought it about.

“Edward, you seem to be decent or respectful towards Granny, don’t you?”

Not just this time, but I often observed him stopping or heeding Granny’s advice. He wasn’t someone who would readily listen to anyone’s counsel, so I had been wondering about this for a while.

“That phrasing makes it sound like I lack respect for others.”

“No, I mean… isn’t it true?”

Saying that, I mumbled my words, but even so, he probably understood what I was trying to convey. Edward sighed and then spoke.

“I do show respect to those worthy of it. It’s just that there are few individuals deserving of that respect.”

However, I’ve never seen you respect anyone else. Neither I nor my father, we don’t exactly respect Granny; it’s more about acknowledging her abilities, to some extent.

“That person was just one of the courtesans. Nevertheless, she became so strong that she’s now called the boss, leading a massive organization. Well, I suppose I should say ‘was.’ She’s no longer the boss.”

…Certainly, when put that way, it’s impressive. Originally just a courtesan, which in some places is not much different from being a slave. Such an individual managed to rally a group and rise to the top in a place like this – it’s a Cinderella story.

…No, that’s not right. Calling it a Cinderella story is disrespectful. Granny desperately worked hard, clawing her way up.

“––Leaving that aside, let’s get back to the topic. It was about a gift, right?”

“Hmm? Oh, right. So, any good ideas?”

With Edward bringing the conversation back, I decided to follow suit and return to the main topic.

“Firstly, to give a gift, you need to thoroughly investigate the other person. Without understanding their preferences, there’s a risk of failure.”

“Yeah, that makes sense.”

If someone likes spicy food, but you give them something sweet, even if they outwardly appreciate it, it’s challenging to make them genuinely happy.

Therefore, it’s crucial to research to avoid such mistakes.

“For that, you start with their food preferences, colors, temperature, and environment preferences. Also, you need to find out about hobbies or tastes they don’t share openly or can’t reveal.”

“…Huh?”

While I can understand preferences for food and colors, do you really need to research hobbies or tastes that people don’t talk about openly?

“And then, you investigate the person’s past history and try to predict their character. During this process, it’s good to gather even the smallest rumors. Sometimes seemingly unrelated information may reveal the essence of that person.”

“Wait a minute. We’re talking about a gift, right? Do we really need to go that far?”

I interrupted Edward’s explanation. Is it really necessary to research so extensively for a mere gift?

“Yes. Didn’t I mention it? The gift for the first meeting is related to the person’s future evaluation. To be thorough, you should gather any trivial information.”

Edward responded confidently as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

…But is it really necessary? Do we need to go that far?

“Well, in this case, why not just do as you please? Based on my research, it seems like she would appreciate anything you give her. If you’re struggling, how about hiring a ‘painter’? By spending money, you can call a high-level artist, and you won’t have to worry about staying in the same posture for hours. It would be sufficient as a memorable gift. Since you’re spending money, there won’t be any lack of ‘status’ as a gift.”

“Painting, huh…”

It might not fit the typical definition of a gift, but is it a viable option?

If we can capture our figures within a single frame, conveying the sense of family to both my mother and father, and providing a tangible item that allows them to feel and appreciate our bond, that could be a meaningful choice.

“If you decide to call a painter, please let me know in advance, and we’ll make the arrangements.”

Given his nature, it’s unlikely that he’s saying this out of goodwill, but since I don’t have connections for such matters, if he offers to help, it would be convenient. Well, I haven’t decided what to do yet, but if I end up asking for assistance, I won’t have to worry about those details. So, it’s fine to keep the option of a painting in consideration.

“Well, I’ll think about it a bit more. Thanks for your advice.”

While it’s not a definite decision, a viable option has been obtained. The visit here was more than worthwhile.

“No, if it’s the Demon King’s request… By the way, regarding the fruits, seeds, and cultivation method of that new plant, if you could send them as soon as possible once you’re back, I would appreciate it.”

“I’ll prepare them once I get back.”

With a wry smile in response to Edward’s final words, I expressed my gratitude and left the place.